I was 100+ on the list and there was no way I was going to get a firearm from Patrick this calendar year. That's why I bailed out. 2 years was too long to wait for me. (Having deposited money already)

The understanding I have at this point is they do not have enough frames to ship completed guns.

I could be wrong... So talk to Patrick and get the latest info.

As I've mentioned I'm very interested in the progress of this project however I no longer have a stake in it. I'm not going to bug Patrick just because I'm curious. I bailed at the end of 2018. I have no idea what my queue number was but I was on the list for an FE model. I assumed Patrick has an 'alternates' or waiting list of some sort and gives someone else the chance if guys like us bail.

His website hasn't been revised since the July progress update and always the optimist I'm hoping it's because he will have great news for everyone.

The part about all this I've found the most curious is the frame casting issues. Why is it with all the technological advances made since the original Automags were made is it so difficult to find a supplier or process which can supply frame castings that are at least as good as those made 45 years ago? That Patrick was preparing to make up new guns on old frames tells you something. Has the design of the new frame been changed so radically that it is now magnitudes more difficult to produce? Isn't all this development and redesign time going to add significantly to the per unit cost going forward to such an extent that they will not be able to recoup their investments unless prices are increased significantly? How many of you would purchase a regular production gun for 5k? 6k? or more?

So in short my fear is not that the promised initial guns won't be delivered or refunds issued. My concern is impacts that are yet to come.

Here's hoping that I'm just full of hot air. Ever the optimist, just concerned because no matter what I want a new one with 8 1/2 pipe on it!! I'm the meantime I've just started the process to get an FN FiveSeven...can no longer resist the draw of the 5.7x28...

As I've mentioned I'm very interested in the progress of this project however I no longer have a stake in it.

I've just started the process to get an FN FiveSeven...can no longer resist the draw of the 5.7x28...

Jerry

I too decided to (as you did) back out of the purchase for a CE at this time and will revisit when there is more information provided. Seems quiet but hope they have success on getting all the kinks worked out. Seems like the Automag X set them back quite a bit followed by magazines, bolt's and now the frame. I plan to revisit when there is more information on a viable product

Regarding your interest on a 5.7, I have fun shooting mine. I will guess you already know about Jay Wolf. Eventually plan to add a can to mine but in time.

The part about all this I've found the most curious is the frame casting issues. Why is it with all the technological advances made since the original Automags were made is it so difficult to find a supplier or process which can supply frame castings that are at least as good as those made 45 years ago?

I am scratching my head about this one as well. I worked in the aircraft industry for many years and have worked with several dozen casting shops. Some are good, some are horsesh*t.

The ones that I was fortunate to work with know their stuff are not cheap, but, they get it right and have VERY fast turnaround times. Even the same week in many cases (for prototypes).

Seems like the Automag X set them back quite a bit followed by magazines, bolt's and now the frame.

I agree that the Automag X cost them time and money, and I personally think losing Larry Grossman caused another huge impact to the project.

Clearly they are working on it and working hard, as if almost to reinvent what worked very well, instead of producing it and starting a program of upgrades like we see in the continuous changes to the Ruger Mark pistols.

I dont believe one method is better than the other and neither is wrong, just a different path.

I'm sure it is disappointing for those who actually thought it was possible to start the machine up and have product in almost zero time. But all this is happening was predicted long ago.

If it was produced exactly as it was by Harry Sanford, but with improvement in materials, quality, and production technique, it could have been done long ago. But they began and program of improvements and that takes lots of time and testing and redesign and retest and so on. So no surprise you dont have product yet.

I think this is all following a normal pattern. You all just need to manage your expectations and they (New Auto Mag company) need to be careful about unrealistic promises to potential customers.

If you cannot wait to see this project to its end, dont worry, there are always originals for sale in the used gun market.

Auto Mag Ltd. Co.

Progress Report - October 2019

Sorry for the delay in updates. We have had a lot of good things going on and have failed to keep you updated and we appologize.

1.
I have decided to have at least two sources for all critical parts and
ideally have one of those in house. To accomplish this I have raised
more than 1 million dollars and have purchased an EDM machine, heat
treat furnace, a Swiss Turn machine, and four additional CNC mills. Two
of the CNC mills have four axis capability and one of the mills has five
axis capability. We are also hiring more machinist and are building an
R&D lab with our own inhouse 3D modeling and cam system to aid us in
the design and improvement of gun parts and accessories.

2.
Regarding the frame castings, we now have three foundries working on
the frame. One foundry has started on a new robotic frame mold with
vacuum casting capability that will take three months, but they have a
much more advanced operation and greater experience in making gun
frames. They have quoted 90 days but my hope is our current vendor will
get it done before then. We will have the next batch of frames this week
from our orginal casting company to test. We are also experimenting
with a milled frame with a side plate design (photo 1 and 2) and are
starting to use a 3D wax master printer to prove out the best design.

Photo 1 - Milled Frame with Side Plate

Photo 2 - Milled Frame with Side Plate attached

3.
We have modified the magazine body stamping dies to make the magazine
.110 longer. (photo 3-5) The first of the new magazines should be
complete the week after next.

Photo 3 - Magazine Die.

Photo 4 - Magazine Body

Photo 5 - Magazine Body.

4. We have the first bolts complete with the new assist cut. (photo 6)

I'll admit that I also bailed out of the initial signup, but may still buy one once they do come to market. My luck with choosing pistols is lousy. I passed on buying the original AMP at dealer's cost + 10% because I felt that it was such a great pistol that the price would come down with the inevitable mass production. A Coonan Classic was purchased so a cheaper gun with easily available replacement parts could satisfy my magnum pistol jonesing. Funny how both of those worked out. Generally speaking, if I really like something, you'd better run away from it. ;-)

Has anyone heard any sidebar updates on the progress? Patrick's October update stated they were exploring multiple vendors for frame castings and a milled frame. It sounded like ducks were being lined up and that a breakthrough was close at hand..

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